Downward trend

Consumer restraint in the first quarter of 2005 was very pronounced and this is also reflected in the consumption and sale of spices. Major importing companies in Hamburg say that turnover in this period has been the worst for ten years. The Nuremberg Consumer Research Association (GfK) has reduced its forecast for an increase in private consumption by half to a maximum of 0.4 %. The main reason is a lack of confidence on the part of consumers. Hopefully the prospect of elections will bring about a change in mood among both consumers and industry.

Fachverband der Gewürzindustrie e. V.

The Fachverband der Gewürzindustrie e. V. (German Spice Industry Association) held their AGM in Dresden on 22nd April 2005. A new committee was elected:

• Björn Laue, Gewürzwerk Hermann Laue, Ahrensburg, chairman
• Richard Scheu, Hagesüd Interspice Gewürzwerke, Hemmingen, representative
• Christoph Mix, Kräuter-Mix, Abtswind,
• Peter Voss, Fuchs-Gewürze, Dissen,
• Wolfgang Schulze, Schulze & Co. KG, "Schuco-Gewürze", Nuremberg

Residue

Surprisingly there has been a huge increase in the amount of illegal residues in spices. The reason why the limits have been exceeded is not clear, especially as there have never been any problems in this connection in the past. Request new test results.

Sudan, warnings and no end in sight

Every day we get new warnings about carcinogenic colour additives in spices, such as Sudan, Butter Yellow etc. (since May 203 more than 1,100). These entail unpleasant and costly recall campaigns. Make sure you buy good quality products from reliable sources and ask for an analysis certificate.

Responsibility

In view of the continuous recall campaigns due to the Sudan colour additive problem the DG Health and Consumer Protection at the European Commission has issued a new reminder outlining the obligations of companies in the food industry: